Confidentiality- Insurance companies require that everyone gets a diagnosis of a mental disorder in order to reimburse for therapy. Contrary to popular opinion, HIPAA doesn't keep things completely confidential. Your diagnosis is something that is seen by multiple people at the insurance company and can be shared with other insurance companies- life/disability/future health insurance companies, and the government. Some employers can even request you release the information to them. Some diagnoses can greatly increase your fees** for insurance depending on the severity of the disorder. Also, some insurance companies will require you get a medication evaluation for your particular diagnosis, even if you do not want to take medication or if there is no real need for you to take medication. By not using insurance we give our clients the most confidentiality possible.

No Time Limit - Insurance companies limit what we can do as therapists** to help you as our client. Instead of doing what is best for you, insurance companies can say how many sessions are appropriate for a given diagnosis and some even limit which therapy modality is approved. Essentially, someone, who has never met you will tell you what you need based on their financial bottom line. By not using your insurance we are able to see you as long as needed and without limitation.

Affordable Commitment - When people pay for therapy themselves, they have more emotional buy-in and commitment to therapy. When people pay with their own money, they tend to work harder and better appreciate** the services provided. Plus, therapy is very affordable. Even at our highest rate and a large number of sessions, say 20 hours (which is far more than the average time needed), it would be cheaper than getting your kid braces, than two months of an average mortgage payment, about the same as many people pay for one big-screen television, WAY cheaper than a divorce, etc. How much is your mental health, happiness, marriage, etc. worth to you?

Flexible Fees - Not using your insurance allows us to be flexible with our fees. We can occasionally give significant discounts to people in times of need, or to help people continue therapy until they are in a better financial position. Insurance does not allow us that flexibility.

If your insurance provides a flex pay card or other credit card type benefit card, we can accept this form of payment, usually without having to disclose diagnostic information.

Many people feel limited by the choices available through their insurance so they choose to pay out-of-pocket or use a Health Savings Account. Many of our clients are willing to self-pay because they received a referral to our practice from a trusted source who knows the quality of our service.

Some clients self-pay because they feel better that information about their diagnosis and treatment is not being reported back to their insurance company and no outside company will be asking questions about their treatment.

There are many benefits for clients who choose private pay therapy instead of using insurance, including:

* Freedom to choose a therapist who is the best fit for your needs

* Freedom for you and your therapist to determine the course and length of treatment

* Increased confidentiality as your therapist will not have to share your treatment and diagnosis with an insurance company

* No restrictions on online therapy

* You can continue to work with the same therapist even if your insurance changes

We offer telehealth (online therapy) services to provide convenient and accessible care to our clients. Telehealth can be desirable for various reasons, such as:

- Flexibility and convenience, as you can attend sessions from the comfort of your own home or location

- Increased accessibility for those with mobility issues, transportation challenges, or living in remote areas

- Ability to continue therapy seamlessly if you relocate or travel

- Potential for greater privacy and comfort in a familiar environment

Mental health therapy, also known as psychotherapy or counseling, is a collaborative process that aims to help individuals explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to achieve better mental and emotional well-being. It involves working with a qualified mental health professional to identify and address challenges, develop coping strategies, and promote personal growth.

Therapy can help in various ways, such as:

- Providing a safe and non-judgmental space to explore your concerns

- Developing effective strategies to manage stress, anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues

- Improving communication and interpersonal relationships

- Enhancing self-awareness and self-esteem

- Overcoming trauma or past experiences that may be impacting your present life

We have chosen not to be paneled with insurance companies because it helps us retain the autonomy we need to provide you with an excellent experience. Insurance companies place limitations on therapists about the length of sessions, covered diagnoses, and covered treatments. Insurance companies also require therapists to spend valuable time providing documentation to justify your therapy, including information about your diagnosis, treatment goals, and progress. We would rather provide a more confidential process and use that valuable time to make sure we are giving you the attention and excellent service you deserve.

During the first session, your therapist will typically gather information about your background, current concerns, and goals for therapy. This helps the therapist understand your unique situation and develop an appropriate treatment plan. You'll also have the opportunity to ask questions and get a sense of the therapist's approach.

Yes, therapy sessions are confidential. Mental health professionals are bound by ethical and legal obligations to protect their clients' privacy. Information shared during therapy sessions will not be disclosed to anyone without your explicit consent, except in cases where there is a legal obligation or a risk of harm to yourself or others.

The duration of therapy can vary depending on the individual's needs and goals. Some people may benefit from short-term therapy (a few months), while others may require longer-term treatment (a year or more). Your therapist will work with you to develop a treatment plan and assess progress regularly.